Enabling the potential of people with developmental disabilities, enriching our communities

NHR Celebrates 2017 National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week

Contributed by Alice Dickey

DSP group photo 2

NHR kicked off the week with a DSP BBQ at Cluett Shantz Park located in Milton, NY. There was food, cake, raffles and…fun! The feedback was extremely positive.

SUNY New Paltz was available to provide information related to their Human Services and Study Abroad Programs in Denmark and Ulster Community College was available to discuss their Direct Care Certificate program.

There were approximately 90 staff members in attendance including volunteers. We are hoping through word of mouth that next year attendance increases. Thank you to NHR Board members who had the opportunity to come and enjoy. It was a really nice time. On the same day as the DSP BBQ, during General Orientation, Sam Laganaro and Linda Milroy provided breakfast to all NHR & Greystone DSPs.

NHR sent two DSPs to the NADSP DSP Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. Both James Croft (FT DSP West Road IRA) and Mary Milano (DSP,  Relief) enjoyed the conference. They were very excited upon their arrival at Newark Airport and were grateful for the opportunity. What we heard most is that they were touched by the  experiences of the motivational speakers who themselves have a disability, David Hingsburger, or raised children with disabilities, Judge Dan Butler.

Barbara Mika, Director of Residential Services, Monica Robinson, Staff Development Coordinator, Kevin Hocutt III, Maintenance Worker, Nancy Howell, Relief Services Coordinator and Terri Nightengale, Assistant Director for Residential Services cooked ziti for all of NHR’s programs! Agency directors then visited each site delivering the ziti and NHR bags.

DSP Week group photo 2

Throughout the week Sam delivered via email daily NHR Newsletters which included raffle winners and inspirational stories about our DSPs written by their supervisors. We also updated our Wall of Distinction to add photos of DSPs who had earned certifications and to update the accomplishments of those already recognized on the Wall.

It was a great week to celebrate and remember that DSPS are MVPs and NHR’s 2nd most important people!


While NHR is a workplace, our essence is in the relationships we develop with people we support and with each other. We are a learning community— bound together by our shared understanding and commitment to our mission In 2016, during National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, NHR unveiled our Wall of Distinction to pay special honor to DSPs, Residence Coordinators who have achieved professional milestones by earning Direct Care Certificates from local colleges, DSP-C certification from NADSP and/or achieving Journey Worker status through the NYS DSP Apprenticeship program.

The Wall of Distinction was made possible by the hard work (above and beyond regular job responsibilities) and talent of many people who came together to honor colleagues who exemplify our commitment to learning and to the people we support.

As part of NHR’s celebration of National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week for 2017, we have added the names, photos and achievements of additional staff members who have earned their certifications/credentials since the Wall of Distinction was unveiled and updated the achievements of two staff members already honored on the Wall of Distinction.

The next time you are at West Road, please visit the Wall of Distinction (outside of Conference Room A) and celebrate the accomplishments of colleagues and the spirit of NHR!

Additions/Updates to the NHR Wall of Distinction for 2017!

Marema Diallo- Direct Care I

Tatyana Hargrove- Direct Care I

Mary McNamara- Direct Care II

Tyler Miller- Direct Care II

Akeva Morrison- Direct Care II

Ghana Spencer-Morgan- Direct Care II

Verona West- Direct Care I

Kathy Lederman-Miller- Advanced to a Direct Care II

Susan Treacy- Advanced to a Direct Care II


Barbara Mika (left) and Monica Robinson Barbara Mika (right) and Monica Robinson
Barbara Mika and Monica Robinson on non-stop ziti-duty during National DSP Recognition Week. A pan of homemade baked ziti was prepared for each NHR program and then personally delivered to DSPs and people we support by agency directors. It was a great way to personally thank DSPs!

Check out other DSP week celebrations here

  • NHR celebrates National Direct Support Professional Week 2022
  • NHR celebrates National Direct Support Professional Week 2018